Sign flasher



Dec. 2, 1930. Q HOTCHKISS 1,783,474

SIGN FLASHER Filed Nov. 4, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 C. HOTCHKISS Dec. 2, 1930.

SIGN FLASHER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 4. 1925 w .n.u. MH if f w M /f 7 .7

8 w d I 5 n u d w 0/0 W S g w A m W fo w,

Patented Dec. 2, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE "CLIFFORD HOTCKISS, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO TIHE-O-STAT CONTROLS COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MARYLAND SIGN FLASHIE'R Application led November 4, 1925. Serial 110.166,4701.

My invention relates to automatic circuit opening and closing means and has particular relation to means of this character which are embodied in what are known as sign flashers.

As indicated, my invention is particularly applicable to sign flashers or devices for automatically lighting certain groups of lamps for a predetermined time and at a predetermined number of times per minute. One object of my invention is to provide a circuit opening and closing device which is extremely simple in operation and which embodies a minimum number of moving parts. In contemplation of this object, I utilize a hot wire device as a thermooperating means for my switch. 'I he circuits are so arranged and the movlng switch mechanism is so associated with said hot wire that when the latter has been heated to a certain degree by the Current passing therethrough, the switch is actuated.

The actuation of the switch energizes a predetermined group of translating devices --in the example hereafter described, a group of lamps-and, at the same time breaks the circuit of the hot wire device, whereupon the said wire cools. After the latter has cooled to a predetermined extent, the contraction thereof operates to again actuate the switch and thereby either energizes another group of lamps or darkens the sign entirely, it being understood that in the device hereinafter disclosed the hot wire is heated by the current How therethrough.

Two further distinct advantages are eventuated in the use of my improved sign flashing device in the provision therewith of two adjusting means. One of these means operates to vary the ratio of time between the off and on periods of the lights which are flashed, and because of the provision of such adjustment, I am enabled to vary the relative light and dark periods of the sign being controlled within a very wide range. The other ad- Y justment which I provide, and which is of marked advantage, is that whereby the speed of operation, or the number of flashes per minute, ma be adjusted.

As will hereinafter appear, both of the above adjustments are provided With a minimum of moving parts and are so associated with the aforesaid hot wire that, although two very desirable and, I believe, entirely novel adjustments are provided, the mechanism is not complicated by a plurality of moving parts to affect such adjustments.

I will hereinafter describe my invention as embodied in a desirable organization for use in connection with a sign ashing apparatus, but it will be understood that the same may be associated with other systems when the results ensuable therefrom are of advantage or desirable in said other systems.

A better understanding of my invention may be had from the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure v1 is an elevational perspective View showing one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of the circuits comprising my device and shows as much of the operating mechanism as is necessary for a clear understanding of the operation and adjustment thereof, the operatingl mechanism embodying a slight variation of that shown in Fig. l; and

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational View illustrating the. manner of positioning the hot wire.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the operating instrumentalities of my sign flashing mechanism are mounted on a plate or base 10 and the latter may, if desired, be contained within a box. With this latter disposition in mind, I will hereinafter point out how the adjusting features of my mechanism are easily accessible even though said device be placed in a four sided box.

An insulating terminal plate 11 is mounted forwardly of the base and secured to the latter by posts 12 as shown. Mounted on this terminal base are a plurality of conducting members 13, 14, 15 and 16 each of which is provided with a binding screw 17 permitting the attachment thereto of lead wires.

s shown, the terminal members 14, 15 and 16 are elongated in a downward direction and are provided at their lower ends with binding posts 18. Further secured to the base plate 10 is a forwardly projecting post 19. Secured to the outer end of said post 19 is the upper end of a strip or protect-ing ele-v ment 20, the latter serving as a protection for a hot wire element comprising a plurality of fine wires 21, which are arranged in series cir- Icuit relation, or which represent successive turns of one long wire, and are tightly stretched between the insulating members 22-22, the upper of said members being secured to the post 19. In order to relieve the strain upon the wire when-it cools and contracts, the bottom member 22 is resiliently secured to a U-shaped member 22a mounted on the base, a rod 226, surrounded by sprin 220, extending through apertures in the si es of said U-piece. The bottom end of said rod is threaded and a nut 22d is adjustable therealong to vary the distance through which the member 22 will travel before the sag of the heated wires is such as to permit Sidewise movement of the same. The lower end of the member 20 is provided with a foot 20a which is rigidly secured to the upper leaf of the mem er 22a, as by a screw, or otherwise.

The rod 226 is a portion of a member 22e which is secured to the lower insulating member 22, a guide bar 227c riding in a slot 22g at the end of the upper part of member 22a thereby insuring straight line movement of said lower member 22. Binding post members 23 and 24 are provided on the upper insulating member 22 and permit of the connection of said fine serially arranged wires, or long single wire of many turns, in circuit with a source of supply. Intermediate the ends of said fine wires 21 is a member 25 having a plurality of apertures 25 therein, one of said wires 21 passing through each of said apertures. This member 25 is floating in character and is attached to the lower end of a spring member 26, the upper end of said member 26 being fixed at 27 to the base plate 10.

A second spring member 28 is secured to the member 26 at 26a and has a hook portion 28a at its lower free end which hook is engaged by the right-hand end of a connector member 29, which latter passes through an aperture in a tiltable member 30, said last member being pivotally mounted as shown. On the left-hand side of said member 30, the connector 29 is engaged by a screw member 31 which has at its bearing point a knife ed e 32 whereby in-and-out adjustment ofsaid screw 31 pulls the connector member 29 through the aperture in tilting member 30, thereby moving said member 30 around its pivotal mounting so that the upper end thereof swings to the right.

A bracket member 33 is ixed to the upper end of said pivotal member 30 and threadedly supports an adjusting screw 34. Said screw. 34 also passes through an elongated beam 35, the latter being fixed to the bottom of the pivotally mounted member 30. At the righthand end of said beam 35 is secured a spring member 36 which latter has its upper end secured to the base plate 10 at 27.

An inspection of the organization just described indicates that as the screw 31 is rotated in a clockwise direction and pulls the connector member 29 through the pivotally mounted member 30, thereby moving said member 30 in a clockwise direction and rotating it around its pivot point 30a, the spring 36 will be stressed to a greater extent because of the downward movement of the righthand end of the beam 35. In this way the sag of the wires 21, upon expansion, is taken up more or less quickly and the time consumed before the expanding wires permit movement of said member 30 is varied. By this adjustment, therefore, Iam enabled to vary the relative off-and-on periods of the devices controlled. e

This same control of the relative heating and cooling periods of the wire, and, consequently of the relative duration of the two circuit connections, may be maintained through manipulations of the nut 22d. As before indicated, this nut may be moved along the rod 22?) to govern the distance which the lower member 22 (the lower ends of wires 21) may move, upon expansion, before the sag thereof permits a movement of the member 29 to the left. The spring 220 is stronger than the spring 36, wherefore, when the Wires expand, the lower member'22 moves s downwardly to the limit setby the position of nut 22d before the spring 36 causes a movement of member 25 to the left to take up the sag or expansion of the wires. Therefore, a variation 4in the position of nut 22d varies the heating and cooling periods, and hence the relative times of the two circuit connections controlled through my device.

The cushioning eEect obtained by use of spring 22e may also be realized through the double spring member 26-28 and if preferred only one of such members need be used. Thus, as shown in Fig. 1, the spring 28 is omitted, the connecting member 29 being pivotally connected to a-block 25a provided on the connecting member 25. In Fig. 2 the lower insulating member 22 is shown adapted for connection to a fixed support. Again, if the above described off-andon riods are controlled by adjustment of nut 22d, then the adjustment effected by screw 31 may be dispensed with.

I have shown for purposes of illustration, a mercury tube switch 37, the latter comprising a glass tube 38 having terminal members 39, 40 and 41 hermetically sealed therein and adapted to be connected in predetermined relation through the movement of a body of mercury 42 when said tube is tilted. While I have shown a double circuit tube, it is, of course, possible to substitute a single circuit itube when desired. Said tube is mounted at y43 on a bracket or tilting support 44. Said `I provide, as illustrated in support 44 is moved through a rod 45, which latter is Heating in character and is moved by the rotation of the pivoted member 30.

In ment and at the same time provide for a desirable adjustment whereby the speed of operation of said switch may be controlled,

spring member 46 which extends from its connection point on the upper surface of the member 30 down into a block 47, in which latter block the left-hand end of the rod 45 is ivotally xed.

Iii will be observed that the spring 46 extends loosely through the screw member 34 and that the latter is provided with a knurled head 48 whereby said screw 34 may be moved longitudinally of said spring 46. By thus moving said screw 34 along said spring 46, the stiffness of the latter is varied, whereb the speed of operation or of the tilting of the mercury switch 37 may be accurately convtrolled.

Movement of the nut 48 varies the length of the portion of the member 46 between the head 48 and the block 47 and consequently the angle through which it may be flexed.

f this spring rod is made stiffer by thus shortening the flexing portion thereof, the angle through which it moves is decreased and the tilting speed of the tube is increased.

This eventuates a greater number of operations per unit of time, although the relative duration time of the two circuits remains the same, this latter being always under the control of either of the above described adjust-ments. v

Having described my invention so far as the mechanical features thereof are concerned, the operation thereof need not be elaborated upon. Referring, however, to Fig. 2, a source of supply, indicated by the legend 110V, is connected by the lead wires vto the aforementioned binding posts and to the lights to be controlled. In the .schematic circuit diagram, I have shown two banks of lights whereby one set will be on while the Of course, if it is desired to have but one set of lamps, only one side of the circuit, herein shown, is used.

From one side 51a of the source, a connection 52 extends to the terminal member 13 whence a wire 53 is carried to the binding post 23 of the hot wire device 21. The return circuit from this device extends from the binding post 24 through wire 54 to terminal member 16. The lamp circuit itself may be traced from 51a through the lamp bank 55, a wire 56, terminal 16, connection 57 to the mercury switch, and when said switch is so tilted that terminals 40 and 41 are in circuit, from said switch through a connectin wire 58 back to terminal 15, and to the ot er side of the line 516.

In like manner a circuit may be traced order to effect said last mentioned move- Figs. 1 and 2, a A

through the other bank of lamps and the terminals 39 and 41, this connection, of course, passing throu h the terminal member 14.

It will be. o served that the hot wires, or wire, 21 are in circuit so that when said switch is tilted to eut off the lamp bank 55, the current through said wires 21 is interrupted. ssume now that the lamp bank 55 is lighted and the switch is tilted to the right-hand position so that the terminals 40 and 41 are bridged by the mercury, the current passing through the wires 21 heats the same and, since they are biased through the action of spring 36, the member 25 moves to the left. When, therefore, the wires 21 have expanded sufficiently to allov7 said member 25 to move and the latter does so move, the connector 29 likewise moves and tilts the member 30 in a counter-clockwise direction, and, as heretoy f ore pointed out, the speed, or number of times er minute that this operation may take pace ,is controlled by adjustment of the length of spring rod 46. Again the relative on and od periods are varied by movement of the nut 31 or nut 22d, as hereinbefore explained.

It will be noted that when the switch istilted to the left, the circuit through the wires 21 is interrupted and the latter, therefore, immediately begin to cool. As they cool, they contract and draw the connector 29 tol the right against the influence of the spring 36 and when the member 30 has been rotated to a suiicient extent, the switch is again tilted to the right to make contact and cause the current to pass through the lamp bank 55 and the wires 21.

It will be seen, therefore, that the operation of my circuit opening and closing device is entirely automatic. It is, moreover, apparent that the operation thereof depends on the operation of a hot wire device whereby the moving parts necessary for said automatic operation are reduced to a minimum.

Again, the automatic operation is markedly enhanced by the provision of two highly desirable adjustments whereby both the ratio of on and off periods may be controlled and the speed of operation or number of iiashes per minute may be easily adjusted.

As indicated, I use a coiled hot wire device and take the actuating motion from the center or other portion of said coil (see Fig. 2). Such an arrangement of a coiled long wire is necessary in order to obtain suiicient resistance to permit my device to be connected to a source of 110 volts. I find this positioning of the hot wire of marked advantage and productive of results which are not obtainable if but one straight wire is used; and also among other advantages is that of space conservation, since a wire of considerable length may be arranged in a minimum space.

A condenser (not shown) may be connected across the three terminal members in order to suppress the incipient arcs occasionedn by the const-ant iiashing of the translating devices with which this switch is used. l While I have shown but two embodiments of In invention, it is obvious that many modifications may occur to those skilled in the art, which modications will not involve a departure from the spirit of my invention, and I desire, therefore, that the same be limited only by the showing of the prior art or by the sctpe of the appended claims.

aving described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a device of the class described, an

. electric circuit, switch means for opening and closing said c1rcu1t a predetermined number of times per minute, said'means being also controlled to regulate the ratio between the open and closed periods of said circuit, ther'- mal means for actuating said switch, the latter bein biased to move upon the operation of said t ermal means, means for altering the degree of said bias to vary the period of closed circuit condition as compared to the open circuit condition, and means comprising a variable spring actuator for said switch vto regulate the frequency of operation thereof.

2. In a device ofthe class described, an electric circuit, means for opening and closing said circuit comprising a switch tiltable to open and close said circuit, a het wire adapted to expand and contract as current is passed therethrough, a connection between said wire and tiltable switch whereby the latter is tilted to change said circuit when said wire expands, said connection being biased to move said switch in a single predetermined direction as said wire expands to permit of said movement, and means cooperable with said connection to vary the ratio between open and closed periods of said circuit.

3. In a device of the class described, an electric circuit, means for opening and closing said circuit comprising a switch tiltable toA open and close said circuit, a hot wire adapted to expand and contract as current is passed therethrough, a connection between said wire and tiltable switch whereby the latter is tilted to change said circuit when said wire expands, said connection being biased to move said switch in a predetermined direction as said wire expands to permit of said movement, means to alter said bias in such manner as to vary the ratio between open and closed periods of said circuit, and a iiexible connection between the tiltable support and said switch.

4. In a device of the class described, an electric circuit, means for opening and closing said circuit comprising a switch tiltable to open and close said circuit, a hot wire adapted to expand and contract as current is passed therethrough, a connection between said wire and tiltable switch whereby the latter is tilted to change said circuit when said wire expands,

Vminute said switch tilts from one position to the other.

5. In a .device of the class described, an electric circuit, means for opening and closing said circuit com rising. a switch tiltable to `open and close sald circuit, a hot wire adapted to expand and contract as current is passed therethrough, said wire being iixed at its ends, and a connecting member associated with an intermediate portion of said wire and said switch and movable transversely of said wire and adaptedto bias said wire in a predetermined direction whereby said connecting member may move in said direction upon the expansion of said wire under the influence of heat to tilt said switch.

6. An automatic circuit opening and closing device, comprising a switch member, a hot wire in closed circuit in one position of said switch, a connecting member extending from an intermediate portion of said wire and movable transversely thereof to operate said switch, the ends of said wire being fixed and said connecting member being biased to stress said wire in a predetermined direction and to move in saiddirection when said wire expands from the current flow therethrough to move said switch thereby .opening said hot wire circuit.

7. An automatic circuit opening and closing device comprising an electric switch adapted to open and close an electrical circuit, thermally actuated means comprising a wire fixed at its ends and adapted to loosen and tighten between said ends as it expands and contracts, an element connected to said wire intermediate its ends and biased to move to and fro transversely of said wire as said wire expands and contracts, means for varying the degree of said bias, a connection between said element and said switch, and means for predetermining the number of timdes per minute said switch may be actuate 8. An automatic circuit opening and closing device comprising an electric switch adapted to open and close an electrical cir-v cuit, thermally actuated means comprising a lll wire ixed at its ends and adapted to loosen l screw threaded to the end of said element and working against said tiltable support for varying the position of said tiltable support relative to its iixed axis and to the element connected with the wire, a tiltable support for said switch, a connection between said element and said tiltable switch support, and means associated with said last mentioned connection which is adjustable to predetermine the number of times per minute said switch operates.

9. An automatic circuit opening and closing device comprising an ele`ctric switch adapted to open and close an electrical circuit, thermally actuated means comprising a wire fixed at its ends and adapted to loosenand tighten between said ends as it expands and contracts, an element connected to sald wire intermediate its ends and biased to move to and fro as said wire expands and contracts, a tiltable fixed support for the other end of said element, means comprising an adjustable screw threaded to the end of said element and working against said fixed Support for varying the degree of said bias, a tiltable support for said switch, a connection between said element and said tiltable switch support, and means associated therewith, which is adjustable to predetermine the number of times per minute said switch operates, comprising a flexible connection having one end attached to said first tiltable support and the other end attached to said switch support, and a nut adjustable along said connection to vary its tension.

10. In a device of the class described, an electric circuit, means for opening and closing said circuit comprising a switch tiltable to open and close said circuit, a hot wire device adapted to expand and contract as current is passed therethrough, a rocking member, a connecting member movable trans. versely of the hot wire device and connecting an intermediate portion of the hot wire device with the rocking member, and a connection between the rocking member and the tiltable switch.

l1. In a device of the class described, an electric circuit, a tiltable switch for opening and closing said circuit, a hot wire device supplied with current from said electrical circuit under the control of said switch and adapted to loosen when current is supplied thereto and tighten when the current supply is'shut oi, a rocking member, a connecting member movable transversely of the hot wire device and connecting the rocking member with an intermediate portion of the hot wire device, means for biasing the rocking meiner to move in a direction opposite to that in which it is moved when the hot wire device tightens, and a connection between the rocking member and the tiltable Switch.

12. In a device of the class described, an electric circuit, a tiltable switch for opening and closin switch, said motion said circuit, a hot wire device supplied with current from said electrical circuit under the control of said switchA and adapted to loosen when current is supplied thereto and tighten when the current supply is shut oii, a rocking member, a connection between the rocking member and an intermed1ate portion of the hot wire device, means for biasing thev rocking member to move in a direction opposite to that in which it is moved when the hot wire device tightens, and a connection between the rockin member and the .tiltable switch having adjustable means to impart variable speeds to the tiltable switch from the rocking member.

13. In a device of the character described, an electric circuit, a tiltable switch for opening and closing said circuit, a hot wire device receiving current from said circuit under the control of said switch and motion transmission means between an intermediate portion of the hot wire device and the tiltable switch, said motion transmission means having relatively adjustable elements adapted t0 selectivel vary the intervals when the circuit is to closed or opened.

14. In a device of the character described, an electric circuit, a tiltable switch for opening and closing said circuit, a hot wire device receiving current from said circuit under the control of said switch and motion transmission means between an intermediate poition of the hot wire device and the tiltable switch, said motion transmission means having relatively adjustable elements adapted to selectively vary the intervals when the circuit is to be closed or opened and also having a member of variable flexibility whereby to regulate the rate of opening and closing the circuit.

15. A hot wire device comprising a coiled long wire in the form of a skein, means for supplying current to said wire, means for supporting the ends of said skein, and means intermediate the ends of said skein and movable transversely thereof for utilizing the expansion of said wire.

16. A hot wire device comprising a coiled long wire in the forml of a skein, means for supplying current to said wire, and means intermediate the ends of said skein for utilizing the expansion of said wire, comprising a transversely movable floating member through which the turns of said wire pass, and connected to a device to'be moved.

17. In a device of the characterdescribed, an electric circuit, a tiltable switch for opening and closing said circuit, ahot wire device receiving current from said circuit under the control of said switch, and motion transmission means between an intermediate portion of the hot wire device and the tiltable transmission means including a member of variable iiexibilit to regulate the speed of operation of the switch.

18. An automatic circuit opening and closing device comprising an electric. switch adapted to o en and close an electrical clrcuit,` thermally actuated means comprlslng a wire through which electric current is passed, said wire being fixed at its ends and adapted to loosen when current is passed therethrough and tighten when the supply of current is shut o connecting element movable transversely of the wire and connecting an intermediate portion of the wire with said rocking member,

means for swinging said rocking member to vary its connection with said connecting element,I and motion transmission means between the rocking member and the switch.

19. An automatic circuit opening and clos- A ing device comprising an electric switch adapted to open and close an electrical circuit, thermally actuated means comprising a i wire through which electric current is passed said Wire being fixed at its ends and adapted to loosen when current is passed therethrough and tighten when the supply of current is shut off, a rocking member, a connecting element between an mtermediate portion of the wire and said rocking member, mean's forvswinging said rocking member to vary its connection with said connecting element,

motion transmission means between the rocking member comprising a flexible member, and means forvarying the effective exibility thereof.

20. An automatic circuit opening and closing device comprising an electric switch adapted to open and close an electrical circuit, thermally actuated means comprising a wire fixed at its ends and adapted to loosen when current passes therethrough and to tighten when the supply of current is shut oi, a rocking member, a connection between the rocking member and an intermediate portion of the wire, means for biasing the rocking member to tend to cause it to move in a direction opposite to that in which it moves when the wire tightens, a flexible member between the rocking member and the switch, and means for varyin the effective flexibilit of said fiexible mem er.

21. A ot wire device comprising a coiled long wire, means for supporting the ends of the wire, means for supplying current to the wire and means intermediate the ends of thel wire and movable transversely of the wire for utilizing the expansion and contraction thereof to control the operation of the device.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto sub- Ascribed my name.

CLIFFORD Ho'roHKIss.

a rocking member, a 

